Hollywood legend Dustin Hoffman joined Israeli singer Ester Rada in singig Israel’s national anthem, “Hatikvah,” during a sold-out fundraising event held at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), on October 19, 2026.
The 89-year-old Oscar-winning actor appeared alongside other prominent Hollywood personalities, including Gene Simmons, Jon Voight and Bob Odenkirk, at an event titled “Letters, Light and Love.”
Organised by the Jewish Federation Los Angeles, the gathering celebrated the historical connection between the Jewish people and Israel through music, storytelling and readings of letters written by historical figures and ordinary individuals.
The event also supported humanitarian recovery efforts, with ticket proceeds directed towards the Sha’ar HaNegev Resilience Center, which provides emotional and therapeutic assistance to families and communities in southern Israel affected by the October 7, 2023 attacks.
One of the evening’s most emotional moments came when former Hamas hostage Eliya Cohen appeared alongside his wife, Ziv Aboud, who survived the attack on the Nova music festival.
Cohen, who spent 505 days in captivity, and his wife received a standing ovation from the audience.
The programme featured musical performances and reflections on Jewish identity, history and resilience, with several Hollywood personalities participating in readings and presentations.
The gathering brought together entertainers, community leaders and survivors to express solidarity and support recovery efforts for people affected by the violence.